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For many women running solo or small businesses, equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) can feel like something meant for big organizations. But in today’s climate, having a simple EDI roadmap to follow is a practical and powerful tool that helps small, values‑driven businesses grow with clarity and confidence.

Led by WE-CAN client , an EDI advisor and founder of , this workshop is built for women founders, creatives, consultants, makers, coaches, and service‑based entrepreneurs who want to integrate equity into their work without feeling overwhelmed or out of their depth.

In this 90-minute session, you’ll learn how EDI can support your business growth, strengthen your brand, deepen trust with clients, and open doors to new opportunities. No jargon.

No guilt. No pressure to be perfect. Just real talk, real examples, and real steps you can take right away.

Together, we’ll create a simple, personalized EDI roadmap that fits your business, whether you’re just starting or ready to scale. You’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and a plan that feels doable, aligned, and sustainable.

Because equity isn’t a buzzword; it’s a business advantage. And as women entrepreneurs, we can lead the way by building companies rooted in purpose, care, and community.

NOTE: Live Zoom transcription is available during this event. Should you require other accessibility supports, please email kerry.ramsay@queensu.ca as soon as possible since advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility services.

 

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:

., is the founder and principal consultant of REAL Talk Solutions Consulting, a corporate consultancy dedicated to building communities of belonging through courageous equity work.

Since 2019, Ophelia has guided entrepreneurs, small business owners, community organizations, and companies through Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) training, education, and consulting. Her work is anchored in the REAL framework - Repair, Equity, Action, Leadership, which challenges organizations to acknowledge harm, center equity, take measurable action, and unlock leadership that is caring, courageous, and transformative.

Ophelia is also the author of , a book that bridges her academic expertise with practical strategies for executives and managers. By linking the CAREING Leader model for individuals with the REAL framework for organizations, she offers a holistic pathway to equity-centred leadership that is both personal and systemic.

Recognized as a skilled trainer, facilitator, moderator, and keynote speaker, Ophelia translates complex equity concepts into clear, actionable strategies. She has collaborated with national organizations such as the Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades, and Technology (CCWESTT), BPW Canada, ALCDSB, and is the founder of , a nonprofit featured in Global News for empowering racialized children and families.

Her approach is unapologetically anti-racist and rooted in joy. She believes equity work is not only about dismantling systems of harm but also about repairing relationships, reimagining organizations, and creating cultures of belonging through accountability and care.

She lives in Eastern Ontario with her family.

ABOUT THE WE-CAN PROJECT:
The WE-CAN Project is led by Queen’s University with a mission to inspire and empower existing and aspiring women entrepreneurs by providing them with tools, resources, expert mentors, networks and community building to expand existing businesses and to launch new ventures. Since launching in 2020, the WE-CAN Project has supported more than 1,600 women entrepreneurs in launching, growing and scaling their business in the greater Kingston region.

Please note: ³ÉÈË´óƬ’s collection of personal information is authorized by its Royal Charter of 1841, as amended. Personal information is collected for the purpose of admissions, registration, academic progress, and administering University programs, university-related student services and activities, activities of student societies, safety, financial assistance and awards, and advancement, and will be used for those or consistent purposes. Personal information may be disclosed to and used by employees of the University who need the information in the performance of their duties.